West Country firms hit by floods |
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| Friday, 30 May 2008 | |
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Flash floods caused havoc to businesses and residents in South West England on Thursday.
Emergency services received numerous calls for assistance on Thursday night and were involved in a massive clean-up operation on Friday. Roads were blocked and employees who did manage to reach work were expecting to spend most of the day sorting out the mess. Worst hit areas were Shepton Mallet, Crewkerne, Yeovil, Castle Cary and Wellington. Organisers of the annual Bath & West county show refused to call off the remaining days of the event despite a washout, but a pop festival elsewhere was cancelled. Insurance cover The Association of British Insurers (ABI) issued advice to companies and property owners who have suffered flood damage following flash floods in the West Country. It pointed out that household and business insurance policies will cover flood damage. People affected should contact their insurer as soon as possible. Most offer 24-hour emergency helpline services to arrange for repairs to be carried out. If necessary, temporary repairs should be to be carried out to stop any damage getting worse. Keep receipts, as these will be needed for your insurance claim. Most policies will cover the cost of alternative accommodation - up to a specified limit - if you need to move out of your home or office while it is being repaired. Comprehensive motor insurance will cover damage caused to vehicles. Dry out The ABI warned people not to use electricity or water supplies until the all clear is given. “If you can, take photographs of the damage. If you need to remove carpets or other badly damaged material from your home or office, keep a sample or photograph to show to your insurer,” a spokesman said. The insurance body said it was important not rush to redecorate, as it may take some weeks for the property to fully dry out. Nick Starling, director of general insurance at the ABI said that the events highlight just how important insurance protection is. “If you have been affected by flooding, contact your insurance company. Their priority is to deal with all claims as quickly as possible,” he concluded. Following last summer’s floods the insurance industry dealt with over 180,000 claims costing in the region of £3 billion. Related articles
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